Connector for an electrical connection and method for producing a connector

Abstract

Connector for an electrical connection, comprising: -- one cable (30) -- a contact element (2) electrically connected to the cable (30), -- a contact carrier (20) with a chamber (23) for receiving the contact element (2), -- a first sealing element (6), wherein the contact element (2) is inserted into the chamber (23) along an insertion direction (E), wherein the contact element (2) has a contact section (3) for electrical contact, wherein the contact element (2) has a connecting section (4) in which the cable (30) is electrically connected to the contact element (2), wherein the first sealing element (6) comprises a gel, wherein the first sealing element (6) and the contact element (2) are arranged relative to each other in the chamber (23) such that the first sealing element (6) is arranged in the connecting section (4) of the contact element (2), wherein a second sealing element (10) is arranged in the chamber (23), wherein the second sealing element (10) comprises a gel, wherein the second sealing element (10) is formed separately from the first sealing element (6), wherein the second sealing element (10) is arranged upstream of the first sealing element (6) as viewed along the insertion direction (E), wherein the second sealing element (10) is spaced from the first sealing element (6).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for an electrical plug connection and a method for producing such a connector. State of the art

[0002] Aluminum conductors are increasingly being used in connection technology for electrical connectors for cost and weight reasons. Connectors for an electrical connection typically comprise a contact element that is electrically connected to a cable and a contact carrier with a chamber for accommodating a contact element. The contact element is inserted into the chamber along a plug-in direction. The contact element has a contact section for making electrical contact. Furthermore, the contact element has a connecting section in which the cable is electrically connected to the contact element.

[0003] In connectors of this type, where the cable or an electrically conductive wire of the cable is made of aluminum, the contact element may also be made of a copper alloy. This can result in a pairing of aluminum and copper at the connection point or connecting section, which, in the presence of media (liquids or gases), can lead to electrochemical corrosion due to the potential differences between the two materials. Even small amounts of such media are sufficient, for example, in the case of condensation inside a connector sealed to the outside.

[0004] To protect the connecting section, the crimp-type connector can be welded, for example. Such a connector is known, for example, from US 2015 / 0079857 A1.

[0005] A waterproof connector is known from JP 2012 - 059 438 A. The waterproof connector comprises a connector housing with a cavity, a terminal inserted into the cavity, and a gel-like sealing element firmly connected to the terminal. The terminal fitting comprises a body portion connected to a mating terminal fitting and a wire connecting portion connected to a core wire at a terminal portion of a wire. The sealing element is firmly connected to the wire connecting portion and covers the core wire.

[0006] A connector with an anti-corrosive function is known from JP 2013 - 055 029 A. The connector comprises terminals that are attached to terminals of multiple electrical wires with conductors and are made of a metal different from the metal forming the conductors; a housing; and a corrosion-protection body. The terminal has an electrical contact part and an electrical wire crimping part. The housing defines a plurality of terminal insertion holes into which the respective electrical contact parts are inserted, and a corrosion-protection body housing space that is positioned on a rear side of the insertion holes and has a shape transverse to the terminal insertion holes.The anti-corrosive body is made of a gel-like body, has a shape-retaining property so that it is housed in the anti-corrosive body housing space without leakage, and has a viscosity that allows each electrical contact part to break through the anti-corrosive body and be inserted into the terminal insertion hole, and surround the electrical wire crimping part in its insertion completion state to prevent moisture from entering the electrical wire crimping part.

[0007] DE 695 08 571 T2 discloses a sealing element for sealing connectors. The sealing element comprises a sealing layer arranged longitudinally between two restrictive layers. The lateral dimensions of the sealing element are designed to fit within a hollow element. The barrier layer is preferably a gel with a Voland hardness greater than the Voland hardness of the sealant. This configuration prevents particles from contaminating the connection of substrates or wires inserted through the sealing element.

[0008] A sealed connector is known from DE 601 32 810 T2. It comprises a first connector part, a second connector part designed to engage with the first connector part, a resilient material disposed between the first and second connector parts, and a fastening mechanism that secures the first connector part to the second connector part. The resilient material comprises a sealing gel, and the fastening mechanism is adjustable and has means for adjusting a force when said force is exerted on the sealing gel by the respective first and second connector parts.

[0009] Another sealed connector is known from US 2004 / 0 161 968 A1. The connector may comprise a conductive body with a conductor-receiving passage for receiving the conductor of a cable end. The conductive body may also comprise a fastener-receiving passage crossing the conductor-receiving passage, and a fastener may be positioned in the fastener-receiving passage to secure the conductor. The connector may also comprise an insulating sleeve, which may contain a gel, connected to the conductor-receiving passage. The insulating sleeve may comprise an insulating tube and at least one frangible seal that closes the insulating tube and ruptures upon initial insertion of the cable end through the tube. The frangible seal may also be compliant to conform to different sized cable ends and form a seal with adjacent portions of the cable end.A pair of seals can be provided with an optional sealing material in between. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The invention is based on the finding that contact corrosion caused by the pairing of different materials of the electrical cable and the contact element at the connecting section can reduce the service life or the current carrying capacity of the connector.

[0011] Encapsulating the connecting section with a welded shell has proven to be very time-consuming and costly.

[0012] There may therefore be a need to provide a connector in which the connection point between the electrically conductive line and the contact element can be permanently protected against the ingress of fluid media (liquids or gases) by a simple, cost-effective and easily mountable device. Advantages of the invention

[0013] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a plug connector for an electrical plug connection is proposed. The plug connector comprises a cable and a contact element electrically connected to the cable, a contact carrier with a chamber for receiving a contact element, and a first sealing element. The contact element is inserted into the chamber along a plug-in direction. The contact element has a contact portion for making electrical contact. Furthermore, the contact element has a connecting portion in which the cable is electrically connected to the contact element. It is provided that the first sealing element comprises a gel. The first sealing element and the contact element are arranged relative to one another in the chamber such that the first sealing element is arranged in the connecting portion of the contact element.

[0015] With respect to the insertion direction, the connecting section is arranged upstream of the contact section. The term "upstream" does not refer to an electrical current direction, but rather defines the relative arrangement of various elements to one another along a defined direction, in this case, for example, the insertion direction, with the insertion direction being directed downstream, so to speak.

[0016] The contact section for making electrical contact can, for example, be designed such that it can be brought into electrical contact with a mating contact element, for example in the form of a contact pin or a contact blade. In another embodiment, the contact section can be designed such that the contact element can be used in the manner of a direct plug. The contact section can then establish electrical contact with contact surfaces (contact lands) of a printed circuit board.

[0017] The expression "one contact element" or "one chamber" can mean either "exactly one contact element" or "exactly one chamber." However, it is also conceivable that the expression describes a plurality of contact elements or a plurality of chambers or contact-receiving chambers. Thus, the two expressions should be read as "at least one contact element" or "at least one chamber."

[0018] The connecting section can, for example, have crimp tabs with which a stripped portion of the cable is mechanically attached to the contact element in an electrically conductive manner. In other design variants, it is also conceivable for the cable to be electrically connected to the contact element in the connecting section by soldering or welding, or by means of an electrically conductive adhesive.

[0019] It can be provided that the connecting section is completely surrounded by the first sealing element.

[0020] The gel can contain, for example, a silicone fluid. The gel can comprise a system with vinyl end groups, in which the chain extender is incorporated into the network. For example, the gel can be designed with tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane as a crosslinker or with a methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer with trimethylsiloxy end groups.

[0021] The gel provided in the sealing element advantageously ensures that the sealing element fills even the smallest gaps in the connecting section. This virtually prevents the penetration of fluid media into the connecting section because the gel, together with the first sealing element, preferably hermetically seals the connecting section. In this way, contact corrosion of the connection point is advantageously suppressed. The fact that the first sealing element and the contact element are arranged relative to one another in the chamber such that the first sealing element is arranged in the connecting section of the contact element advantageously prevents not only the penetration of fluid media along the insertion direction to the connecting section but also out of the chamber in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.Rather, this ensures that the connection point itself is encapsulated by the first sealing element and the gel it contains and sealed against the fluid media.

[0022] Particularly advantageously, the first sealing element exhibits a kind of self-healing effect due to the presence of gel. This means that when the contact element is removed from the chamber (for example, to remove a defective contact element from the chamber), the gap created in the sealing element by the removed contact element is automatically closed again by the gel. Even chambers that are not equipped with a contact element can be sealed in this way against fluid media from an external space of the contact carrier.

[0023] A further development provides for the contact element to be predominantly made of copper or a copper alloy. This allows the contact element to be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively using conventional methods, for example, as a stamped and bent part in one piece.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, an electrically conductive line of the cable can be made predominantly of aluminum. This allows the cable to be manufactured particularly cost-effectively, thus reducing the costs of manufacturing the connector.

[0025] A further development provides that the first sealing element has a carrier element, wherein the carrier element contains the gel of the first sealing element. In other words: the gel can be applied to the carrier element or held in the carrier element. The carrier element can be viewed as a three-dimensional body which can be inserted or introduced into the chamber of the contact carrier. This advantageously ensures that the gel can be placed in the receiving chamber at a precise location or position using the carrier element and remains stationary at the inserted location even for the service life of the connector. Furthermore, the amount of gel introduced into the chamber can be precisely metered using the carrier element.A further advantage is that, while maintaining the same carrier element, different gels can be used for different applications, without potentially different viscosity or nonwoven properties of the respective gels requiring an adjustment of the insertion process of the first sealing element into the chamber. This is because the carrier element holds the gel to a certain extent.

[0026] A further development provides for the carrier element to be porous. This advantageously allows the carrier element to absorb the gel in the pores and store it to a certain extent.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the support element can be elastically reversibly deformed. This can advantageously ensure that the support element is manufactured, for example, with a slight oversize relative to the chamber and can thus be inserted into the chamber without damage. Due to the elastically reversible property, the support element, and thus the first sealing element, is then held in position in the chamber, for example, by force-fitting or frictional engagement.

[0028] A further development provides that the carrier element is made of foam or a fleece-like material.

[0029] For example, the support element can be made of polyurethane foam. The support element can be made of a polyester-based material.

[0030] This enables particularly cost-effective production. Nonwoven materials or foams offer a large internal surface in which the gel can be held or stored. At the same time, they are easily deformable, simple to manufacture, and simple to insert. If a contact element is removed from the chamber and initially leaves a gap in the first sealing element or the carrier element, the choice of material (foam or nonwoven material) ensures that the first sealing element reseals the chamber tightly thanks to the elastic properties of the carrier element. This self-healing effect is promoted by the gel held or stored in the carrier element or on the carrier element.In this way, it is always ensured that a space located downstream of the first sealing element is protected against the penetration of fluid media from an external space (upstream of the first sealing element with respect to the insertion direction).

[0031] A further development provides that a support surface for the first sealing element is provided in the chamber, on which the first sealing element rests with an end face facing in the insertion direction. A first pressure plate is provided in the chamber upstream of the first sealing element, as viewed along the insertion direction. The first sealing element is pressed between the first pressure plate and the support surface by means of the first pressure plate.

[0032] By pressing the first sealing element along the insertion direction, a widening transverse to the insertion direction of the first sealing element is advantageously brought about. At the same time, the gel is pressed into all cavities and gaps in the connecting section. This protects the connecting section particularly well against contact with penetrating fluid media. In the event that the first sealing element comprises a carrier element, the pressing of the first sealing element also ensures a good seal between the first sealing element and the inner wall of the chamber. The first pressure plate can be manufactured with a slight oversize in its cross-section compared to the chamber. In this way, after it has been pressed against the first sealing element along the insertion direction, it can be held in the receiving chamber in a force-fitting or friction-fitting manner without the need for additional elements.An annular groove can also be provided in the chamber, into which the first pressure plate engages and is thus protected against being pushed back against the insertion direction.

[0033] The support surface can be realized, for example, by tapering the inner diameter of the chamber. This allows a type of shoulder to be formed, which has a support surface facing the opposite direction of insertion.

[0034] The first pressure plate can have a first passage through which the cable is routed. The first pressure plate can also have a C-shape, similar to a snap ring. It is also possible for the first pressure plate to have at least one locking hook to be held in the chamber under mechanical tension after the first sealing element is compressed.

[0035] The first pressure plate can also be designed as a plate with a plurality of holes for the cable passage. In this case, the first pressure plate is designed for a plurality of first seals.

[0036] The invention provides for a second sealing element to be arranged in the chamber. The second sealing element is formed separately from the first sealing element. The second sealing element can be arranged downstream of the first sealing element, viewed along the insertion direction. The second sealing element is spaced apart from the first sealing element. The spacing can be formed, in particular, along the insertion direction.

[0037] According to the invention, the second sealing element also comprises a gel. The second sealing element can also have a carrier element containing the gel. In other words, the second sealing element can be constructed analogously to the first sealing element.

[0038] The provision of the second sealing element creates a particularly fluid-tight seal. This advantageously increases the service life of the contact. The spacing of the two sealing elements also creates a kind of redundancy. Should one of the two sealing elements develop a leak, the penetration of fluid media to the connecting section is at least delayed by the other sealing element.

[0039] A further development provides that a second pressure plate is provided in the chamber upstream of the second sealing element, as viewed along the insertion direction. The second sealing element is pressed between the second pressure plate and the first pressure plate by means of the second pressure plate.

[0040] The second pressure plate can be designed similarly to the first pressure plate. This means that it can be designed like a snap ring and can be held in the chamber with a force-fitting, positive-fitting, or frictional fit. By providing the second pressure plate, the second sealing element can be mounted and held in the chamber in a particularly simple and quick manner.

[0041] A particularly advantageous result is a type of sandwich structure which, viewed opposite to the insertion direction, has the following sequence: contact surface, first sealing element, first pressure plate, second sealing element, second pressure plate.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a connector for an electrical connection is provided. The method comprises the following steps: - Providing a contact element electrically connected to a cable, wherein the contact element has a connecting portion in which the cable is electrically connected to the contact element; - Providing a contact carrier with a chamber for receiving a contact element, - Providing a first sealing element, wherein the first sealing element comprises a gel, - Inserting the first sealing element into the chamber, - Inserting the contact element along an insertion direction into the chamber through the first sealing element such that the connecting portion of the contact element is arranged in the first sealing element. For example, it can be provided that the first sealing element completely surrounds the connecting portion.

[0043] The method advantageously enables particularly simple and reliable production of the connector, ensuring that the connecting section is permanently protected against contact with fluid media, especially moisture. The insertion of the contact element through the first sealing element, combined with the self-healing function of the first sealing element due to the gel, ensures a tight and secure enclosure of all cracks, gaps, and cavities in the connecting section.

[0044] It is understood that, for example, in a further method step, before inserting the contact element and after inserting the first sealing element, a first pressure plate is introduced into the chamber and can be pressed onto the first sealing element.

[0045] Alternatively, for example, after inserting the first sealing element, the contact element can be inserted first and only then the first pressure plate can be inserted and / or pressed onto the first sealing element.

[0046] An embodiment with two sealing elements can also be provided.

[0047] For this purpose, the invention provides a further step in which a second sealing element is introduced into the chamber.

[0048] A second pressure plate can then be inserted into the chamber. This second pressure plate can be pressed onto the second sealing element.

[0049] It may be provided that the steps of the method are not all carried out at the same location: for example, it may be provided that the contact carrier is delivered to a customer with a first sealing element inserted into the chamber and a pressed-in first pressure plate - the contact element can then be inserted through the first pressure plate and through the sealing element into the chamber. The second sealing element and the second pressure plate may also already be provided. The contact element can then be inserted by the customer or a manufacturer. For the purposes of the application, this local and spatial separation of the method steps is considered to be part of the method. Drawings

[0050] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] They show: Fig. 1a: A schematic perspective view of components of a plug or connector for receiving contact elements to be locked therein from the prior art; Fig. 2a: A schematic perspective view of a contact element and a cable before connection according to the prior art; Fig. 2b: The contact element and the cable from Fig. 2a in the connected state; Fig. 3a: A schematic cross-section through a connector according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3b: A schematic cross-section through an embodiment of a connector not according to the invention.

[0052] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. The same reference numerals throughout the figures denote identical or equivalent features.

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of components of a prior art connector 1, such as those used in automotive engineering. The connector 1 comprises a contact carrier 20 and a contact element 2 that can be inserted into the contact carrier 20 along an insertion direction E.

[0054] The contact element 2 is designed as a lance contact. It has a contact section 3, into which a mating contact 50 (not shown here) is inserted through an insertion opening 5a. Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b) for electrical contacting. In other embodiments, the contact element 2 is designed as a direct contact element. For this purpose, it can have a contact spring, for example, transverse to the insertion direction E, with which electrical contact surfaces on the top side or surface of a printed circuit board can be contacted. In the illustrated embodiment, an outwardly projecting, obliquely rearwardly extending, for example spring-shaped locking element 5 or a locking lance 5 is formed on the outside of the contact element 2 in the contact section 3. Viewed from the contact section 3 opposite the insertion direction E, i.e. upstream, there is a connecting section 4 in which a cable 30 or an electrical line 31 (not shown here) of the cable 30 is electrically conductively fastened to the contact element 2.The cable 30 can, for example, be crimped, soldered, or welded to the contact element 2, or glued to the contact element 2 using an electrically conductive adhesive. In this way, the cable 30 or the electrical line 31 of the cable 30 is electrically and mechanically connected to the contact element 2.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact carrier 20 is constructed in two parts. It comprises a first contact carrier element 21 and a second contact carrier element 22. One-piece embodiments are also conceivable. The contact carrier 20 has a plurality of chambers 23 designed to receive contact elements 2. In an embodiment not shown here, the plug can have a sealing mat located in front of or upstream of the chambers 23, as viewed along the insertion direction E. This sealing mat ensures that the chambers 23 are sealed against fluid media (gases or liquids) from an external environment of the connector 1. The contact elements 2 with their cables 30 are inserted into the contact carrier 20 during the insertion process.

[0056] The first contact carrier element 21 has a first opening 26 pointing towards the contact element 2 for inserting the contact element 2. The contact element 2 is inserted into the first contact carrier element 21 through this first opening 26. The first contact carrier element 21 is fastened to the second contact carrier element 22, for example, by means of locking hooks 25 which engage in a corresponding opening in the second contact carrier element 22. The second contact carrier element 22, which is located downstream of the first contact carrier element 21, has second openings 27 on its lower side in the figure, through which mating contact elements 50 (not shown here) can be inserted into the contact carrier 20 counter to the insertion direction E for electrically contacting the contact element 2.

[0057] It is understood that there may also be embodiments in which only a single chamber 23 is provided in the contact carrier 20. In such an embodiment, only a single contact element 2 is provided. It is further understood that even in a contact carrier 20 with a plurality of chambers 23, individual chambers 23 may remain unpopulated. In other words, the number of contact elements 2 may be fewer than the number of chambers 23 of the contact carrier 20.

[0058] Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a contact element 2 from the prior art. The contact element 2 is not yet electrically or mechanically connected to the cable 30. The contact element has a contact section 3 on its front side, in which an insertion opening 5a for a mating contact element is provided. Furthermore, a locking lance 5 is provided in the contact section 3, with which the contact element 2 can be locked to an undercut of a chamber 23 of a contact carrier 20. A connecting section 4 is provided upstream with respect to the insertion direction E or at the rear end of the contact element 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting section 4 has two pairs of crimp tabs 41, 42. The first pair of crimp tabs 41 is provided to electrically and mechanically connect a stripped, electrically conductive line 31 of the cable to the contact element 2.The first pair of crimp tabs 41, together with the stripped portion or electrical wire 31 of the cable 30, constitute the connecting section 4. The second pair of crimp tabs 42 serves to secure the electrical insulation 32 of the cable 30. This provides strain relief for the cable 30. The portion of the second pair of crimp tabs is not assigned to the connecting section 4.

[0059] Fig. Figure 2b shows the contact element 2 and the cable 30 in the attached state. The cable 30 is electrically and mechanically connected with its electrical conductor 31 in the connecting section 4 to the first pair of crimp tabs 41 on the contact element 2. The insulation 32 is mechanically attached to the contact element 2 by means of the second pair of crimp tabs 42.

[0060] The electrical conductor 31 can, for example, be a stranded conductor.

[0061] Fig. 3a shows a connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The connector 1 is shown in a cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element 2 can comprise, for example, a copper alloy or copper. The electrical line 31 of the cable 30 can comprise, for example, aluminum or be formed from aluminum. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 1 comprises a first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b and a second sealing element 10, 7, 7a, 7b spaced therefrom.

[0062] The first sealing element 6 and the second sealing element 10 can each have a carrier element 7. The carrier element 7 contains, holds, or stores a gel.

[0063] The gel can contain, for example, a silicone fluid. The gel can comprise a system with vinyl end groups, in which the chain extender is incorporated into the network. For example, the gel can be designed with tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane as a crosslinker or with a methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer with trimethylsiloxy end groups.

[0064] The support element 7 can be formed, for example, from a foam material 7a or a nonwoven material 7b. For example, the support element can be formed from a polyurethane foam. The support element 7 can be formed from a polyester-based material.

[0065] The first sealing element rests with an end face 8 pointing in the insertion direction E on a support surface 24 of the chamber 23. The first sealing element 6 is arranged in the connecting section 4 of the contact element 2. It can, for example, completely enclose the connecting section 4. This can be achieved by first introducing the first sealing element 6 into the chamber 23 and then inserting the contact element 2 with its connecting section 4 through the first sealing element 6 into the chamber 23. The first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b is pressed between the pressure plate 9 and the support surface 24 by means of a first pressure plate 9. The first pressure plate 9 has a first through-opening 9a. The cable 30, for example, is guided through the first through-opening 9a. The first pressure plate 9 can, for example, be designed in the manner of a snap ring.It can be held in the chamber 23 in a force-fitting, form-fitting, or frictional manner after it has been inserted into the chamber 23 from above in the figure and pressed against the first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b. The second sealing element 10, 7, 7a, 7b is arranged upstream of the first pressure plate 9. It merely encloses an insulated region of the cable 30. Viewed along the insertion direction E, the first pressure plate 9 is therefore arranged between the first sealing element 6 and the second sealing element 10. The second sealing element 10, in turn, is pressed along the insertion direction E by a second pressure plate 19, which is arranged even further upstream with respect to the insertion direction E. The second pressure plate 19 also has a second through-opening 19a through which the cable 30 can be guided.

[0066] The selected arrangement and the pressing of the two sealing elements 6, 10 by means of the two pressure plates 9, 19 ensures that the gel contained in the sealing elements 6, 10 closes a large number of gaps and cavities in a plane viewed transversely to the insertion direction E. The gel closes all gaps and cavities particularly advantageously. In this way, the first sealing element 6 effectively protects the connecting section 4 from corrosion. This can be normal "tarnishing" of the non-insulated material in the connecting section 4. By using different materials for the contact element 2 on the one hand and the electrical line 31 on the other hand, the occurrence of contact corrosion in particular can be suppressed or prevented. In this way, contact corrosion between aluminum for the electrical line 31 and copper or a copper alloy for the contact element 2 is particularly advantageously protected.The second sealing element 10 provides further protection against fluid media penetrating from the exterior of the connector 1 toward the chamber 23. This way, for example, an additional sealing mat can be eliminated.

[0067] Fig. 3b shows a further embodiment of the connector 1. In this embodiment, only a first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b is provided. This first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b also contains a gel or consists entirely of gel. Here, too, the first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b is arranged in the connecting section 4 of the contact element 2, viewed along the insertion direction. The contact element 2 is again inserted into the chamber 23 through the first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b after the first sealing element 6 has penetrated or been inserted into the chamber. The first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b has a length more than twice as great as the connecting section 4, viewed along the insertion direction. It also encloses, at least in sections, the insulated section of the cable 30. Subsequently, the first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b is pressed with the first pressure plate 9.The first pressure plate 9 can initially be provided only pre-assembled or it can be mounted and pressed onto the contact carrier 20, 21, 22 at the end of the insertion process of the contact element 2.

[0068] It is also possible for the first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b to be pressed first through the first pressure plate 9 and only then for the contact element 2 to be inserted through the first opening 9a of the first pressure plate 9 and through the first sealing element 6, 7, 7a, 7b into the chamber 23.

[0069] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3b, only the first pressure plate 9 is provided, the need to provide a second pressure plate 19 is eliminated in comparison to the embodiment of the Fig. 3a.

[0070] In contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 3a is the connector 1 of the Fig. 3b is less complex in terms of assembly. However, compared to the example of the Fig. 3a no redundancy due to a second sealing element 10.

[0071] For the sake of completeness, the two Fig. 3a and Fig.3b schematically shows mating plug elements 50 designed as pins or contact blades, which can be inserted through the second opening 27 of the contact carrier 20, counter to the insertion direction E, along the arrow shown next to the mating contact element 50. They can then also be inserted into the insertion opening 5a of the contact element 2, in order to establish electrical contact in this way. The contact elements 2 can, for example, be manufactured as stamped and bent parts made of sheet metal. The contact elements 2 can be designed as lance contacts or as so-called clean-body contacts, in which the locking element is arranged in the chamber 23 of the contact carrier 20 and engages in a recess in the contact element 2.

[0072] The contact carrier 20 can be made of plastic, for example. The first pressure plate 9 and the second pressure plate 19 can be made of metal or plastic, for example.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having", "comprising", etc. do not exclude other elements, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. For example, the terms "a chamber", "a contact element", "a first sealing element", "a second sealing element" can be understood synonymously with the terms "at least one chamber", "at least one contact element", "at least one first sealing element", "at least one second sealing element". This also applies synonymously to the other features described in the singular. Furthermore, it should be noted that features described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference symbols in the claims are not to be regarded as limitations.

Claims

[1] Connector for an electrical connection, comprising: -- one cable (30) -- a contact element (2) electrically connected to the cable (30), -- a contact carrier (20) with a chamber (23) for receiving the contact element (2), -- a first sealing element (6), wherein the contact element (2) is inserted into the chamber (23) along an insertion direction (E), wherein the contact element (2) has a contact section (3) for electrical contact, wherein the contact element (2) has a connecting section (4) in which the cable (30) is electrically connected to the contact element (2), wherein the first sealing element (6) comprises a gel, wherein the first sealing element (6) and the contact element (2) are arranged relative to each other in the chamber (23) such that the first sealing element (6) is arranged in the connecting section (4) of the contact element (2), wherein a second sealing element (10) is arranged in the chamber (23), wherein the second sealing element (10) comprises a gel, wherein the second sealing element (10) is formed separately from the first sealing element (6), wherein the second sealing element (10) is arranged upstream of the first sealing element (6) as viewed along the insertion direction (E), wherein the second sealing element (10) is spaced from the first sealing element (6). [2] Connector according to claim 1, wherein the contact element (2) predominantly comprises copper or a copper alloy, and / or wherein an electrically conductive line (31) of the cable (30) comprises predominantly aluminum. [3] Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing element (6) has a carrier element (7), wherein the carrier element (7) contains the gel of the first sealing element (6). [4] Connector according to claim 3, wherein the carrier element (7) is porous and / or elastically reversibly deformable. [5] Connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the carrier element (7) is formed from foam (7a) or a nonwoven material (7b). [6] Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a support surface (24) for the first sealing element (6) is provided in the chamber (23), on which support surface the first sealing element (6) rests with an end face (8) pointing in the insertion direction (E), wherein a first pressure plate (9) is provided in the chamber (23) upstream of the first sealing element (6) as viewed along the insertion direction (E), wherein the first sealing element (6) is pressed between the first pressure plate (9) and the support surface (24) by means of the first pressure plate (9). [7] Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein a second pressure plate (19) is provided in the chamber (23) upstream of the second sealing element (10) as viewed along the insertion direction (E), wherein the second sealing element (10) is pressed between the second pressure plate (19) and the first pressure plate (9) by means of the second pressure plate (19). [8] A method for producing a connector for an electrical connection, the method comprising the following steps: -- Providing a contact element (2) electrically connected to a cable (30), wherein the contact element (2) has a connecting section (3) in which the cable (30) is electrically connected to the contact element (2), -- Providing a contact carrier (20) with a chamber (23) for receiving the contact element (2), -- Providing a first sealing element (6), wherein the first sealing element (6) comprises a gel, -- Inserting the first sealing element (6) into the chamber (23), -- Inserting the contact element (2) along an insertion direction (E) into the chamber (23) through the first sealing element (6) such that the connecting section (3) of the contact element (2) is arranged in the first sealing element (6), wherein in particular the first sealing element (6) completely surrounds the connecting section (3), -- introducing a second sealing element (10) comprising a gel into the chamber (23), and -- Arranging the second sealing element (10) upstream of the first sealing element (6) as viewed along the insertion direction (E), wherein the second sealing element (10) is formed separately from the first sealing element (6) and is spaced apart from the first sealing element (6).

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